When required to obtain a fire strategy report for your project, fire suppression systems or misting systems may be required to help mitigate risk. Fire suppression systems in the UK are governed by various British standards, including BS 9991: Fire Safety in the Design, Management, and Use of Residential Buildings. This standard provides comprehensive guidance on fire safety strategies for residential properties, including flats, maisonettes, and care homes. One key focus is ensuring that adequate fire suppression measures are implemented to protect occupants and reduce property damage.
BS 9991 emphasises the use of fire suppression systems as part of an integrated fire safety strategy. This is particularly useful where traditional passive fire protection methods may be insufficient. These systems include sprinklers, water mist systems, and gaseous suppression systems, which are essential for minimising the spread of fire. In high-rise residential buildings and care homes, where the potential for rapid fire spread and evacuation difficulties are heightened, fire suppression systems are often mandatory under BS 9991.
In fire strategy reports, sprinkler systems are highlighted as a critical component of fire safety, especially for buildings over a certain height or where vulnerable occupants reside. BS 9991 provides specifications on the design, installation, and maintenance of sprinkler systems, ensuring that they are appropriately integrated into the building’s overall fire safety infrastructure. The standard aligns with other regulations, such as BS 9251, which focuses specifically on sprinkler systems in residential and domestic properties.
BS 5306-0:2020 gives guidance on selecting fixed firefighting systems. Table 1 within this document shows that water mist systems are acceptable in all domestic settings, provided they comply fully with BS 8458. These systems use fine water droplets to cool flames and suppress fire development, offering an effective alternative to traditional sprinklers in certain scenarios. Water mist systems are particularly beneficial in buildings with specific architectural constraints or where water damage must be minimized.
Overall, BS 9991 underscores the importance of a holistic approach to fire safety, where fire suppression systems are combined with alarm systems, evacuation strategies, and fire-resistant building materials. By adhering to these guidelines, developers and building managers can ensure that residential properties achieve a high standard of fire protection, safeguarding both lives and property.
More information on BS9991 can be found here: https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/BS_9991:2015_Fire_safety_in_the_design,_management_and_use_of_residential_buildings._Code_of_practice
London Fire Associates can develop fire strategies and draft bespoke fire strategy reports for any project. Whether it be a small domestic loft conversion or a high risk ‘relevant building’ as defined in the Building Safety Act 2022. Our team of expert fire engineers can assist you no matter the size of your project and we cover the south of England.
Contact us for guidance on fire strategies today https://londonfireassociates.co.uk/contact-us/
